Agricultural Waste Management Systems: Level 2 (000116)

Course Overview

Please read this entire page before proceeding to enroll.

This course provides training on planning and designing agricultural waste management systems with an emphasis on systems for livestock and poultry operations. It provides guidance in developing an agricultural waste management system that manages the waste from its production through its utilization. The "Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook" serves as the textbook and reference.

The course has 22 modules beginning with an overview, a discussion of laws and regulations, and NRCS policy for providing assistance in waste management. One module discusses planning considerations in terms of the NRCS 9-step planning process. Another module discusses the effect of waste on water, air, and animal resources followed by geology and ground water considerations. Other modules discuss waste management components and combining them into a system; design of waste management facilities such as ponds and lagoons; waste utilization and nutrient budgeting. The last modules discuss equipment, operation and maintenance, computer software, and sampling and monitoring.

Delivery of the training is self-paced computer based training (CBT), packaged as a CD (Compact Disk) and a workbook. The CBT approach uses computer and multimedia technology to create a complete multi-sensory learning program. The CBT reinforces the learning experience by asking review questions periodically. If the participant cannot answer the review question correctly, the opportunity is given to review the material so a correct answer can be developed. Workbook activities reinforce the training.
States should monitor those individuals taking the course and arrange for a field trip to reinforce the training once completed.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the training, the participant will be able to:

Relate an understanding of the laws, regulations, policy, and water quality policy applicable to planning and designing agricultural waste management systems.

Define an agricultural waste management system.

Explain the total system approach to agricultural waste management.

Explain the relationship of agricultural waste management systems to other farm systems.

Explain planning of an agricultural waste management system utilizing the nine steps of planning.

List the planning considerations for an agricultural waste management system.

List the functions of an agricultural waste management system.

List the typical components used for each function of an agricultural waste management system.

Explain the geology and ground water considerations that are essential to siting and managing an agricultural waste management system.

Prerequisites

Completion of the following will satisfy the prerequisites for the Level 2 course:

Any Federal, State or district employee, tribal representative, and others who are or will be providing livestock and poultry producers with assistance in waste management may take this course.

Duration

The Training program requires approximately 32 hours of concentrated study to complete. It will take 3-4 weeks to receive the instructional materials.

Delivery Method

Self-paced

Module Descriptions

Module 1a - This module covers the laws and regulations pertaining to air pollution, water pollution and environmental protection. It also provides an introduction to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) policies on environmental protection, water quality criteria, water quality standards and animal waste impact on water uses.

Module 1b - Addresses resource considerations important in the planning of an agricultural waste management system (AWMS) in relationship to a resource management system (RMS). It also discusses the relationship between an AWMS and a RMS. It covers the NRCS "nine-step" planning process as it relates to planning an AWMS and explains the six functions of an AWMS.

Module 1c - Addresses the difference between a pollutant and a contaminant. It covers how agricultural waste affects both surface and ground waters. It discusses the impact agricultural waste has on air quality and animal resources.

Module 2 - Looks at the composition of different agricultural wastes. Waste products described in this module are of an organic nature and are agricultural in origin.

Module 4 - Describes landscape elements and how those elements influence the location of an agricultural waste management systems (AWMS) on a farmstead. In addition, the planning process for siting an AWMS is covered.

Module 5 - Discusses agricultural waste management in terms of a total system.

Module 6 - Provides an overview of specific components that are designed to accomplish the six functions—production, collection, storage, treatment, transfer and utilization—that may be included in an agricultural waste management system. Additionally, a seventh set of components, ancillary components, that do not fit well into one of the other component categories is introduced.

Module 6a - Provides a more detailed look at production function components and corollary management practices. Additionally, a detailed example is presented on sizing roof gutters and downspouts.

Module 6b - Provides a more detailed look at collection function components and how these components affect the design of an agricultural waste management system.

Module 6c - Provides a more detailed look at storage function components and how these components affect the design of an agricultural waste management system.

Module 6d - Provides a more detailed look at treatment function components and how these components affect the design of an agricultural waste management system.

Module 6e - Provides a more detailed look at transfer function components and how these components affect the design of an agricultural waste management system.

Module 6f - Addresses the question, "Is a liner needed?" for an earthen waste impoundment and, if one is required, discusses options available and items to be considered to provide the liner.

Module 6g - Provides a more detailed look at utilization function components and how these components affect the design of an agricultural waste management system.

Module 6h - Provides a more detailed look at ancillary components and how these components affect the design of an agricultural waste management system.

Module 7 - Covers the purpose, benefits and steps for developing the nutrient component of the Resource Management System plan as pertaining to the land application of agricultural waste.

Module 8 - Provides a detailed look at typical equipment associated with an agricultural waste management system and describes its appropriate area of application.

Module 9 - Discusses operation, maintenance and safety as they relate to the functions of an agricultural waste management system and as input to an AWMS plan. Additionally, the format of an AWMS plan for a typical AWMS is covered.

Module 10 - Provides information on the use of computer software in the planning and design of an agricultural waste management system.

Module 11 - Provides information on the use of sampling and monitoring as an integral part of the conservation planning process inherent in the planning and design of an agricultural waste management system.